Knowing the difference between cold, flu

ASK THE DOCTORS

Dear Doctors: My husband and I both work in an office, and our three kids are in school. That’s a lot of exposure to germs and bugs. When someone gets sick, how do you know if it’s a cold or the flu – or worse? Do you always need to see a doctor?

Dear Reader: A variety of viruses, bacteria and even fungi can cause respiratory tract infections. Because they affect the same tissues, th…